Is Exorcism Master Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2017, Exorcism Master represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Times of Ming Dynasty. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Times of Ming Dynasty. Li Yanzhi is an orphan who looks good at all kinds of black technology. In order to feed a group of old, weak, sick, and homeless, he had to be entrusted by the eunuch Zhao Yuanqi to help the tomb thieves get rid of the ancient tomb organ and open the tomb of Huang Chao. Unexpectedly, Zhao Yuanqi and Hanzi Jiang Hanzi used Huang Chao to plot a terrifying conspiracy that would surely lead to a bloody storm. Li Yanzhi finds that he is helping others to abuse, and may become a sinister who has caused a lot of evil. Li Yanzhi reformed the evil and returned to the right, and decided to stop the conspiracy of Zhao Yuanqi and Jiang Hanzi together with Xuan Yangzi and Qin Yu of the Chongyang religion. Li Yanzhi, who is completely incapable of martial arts, desperately crushed the conspiracy of the eunuch Zhao Yuanqi"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Karena Ng Chin-Yu, the performance in Exorcism Master feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Xiang Qiuliang is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 89 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Exorcism Master truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 4/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Exorcism Master explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Xiang Qiuliang respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Exorcism Master is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Karena Ng Chin-Yu or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Exorcism Master is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.